The Foundation of Hope

Register now and save! Early Bird registration is open for the 2024 Walk for Hope on Sunday, October 13! It's just $60 through August 18th and includes a delicious lunch, music, games, and more! Register at walkforhope.com or call 919-781-9255.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses, affecting roughly 40 million American adults each year. Everyone has experienced anxiety at some point in their lives. But anxiety that is persistent, excessive, or routinely triggered by situations that aren't an actual threat can have a negative impact on one's life. One way you can reduce anxiety is by practicing mind-body approaches such as deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and techniques to ease muscle tension and promote calm. This can include words of affirmation or mantras. You are brave, capable, enough, strong, beautiful, worthy and loved. Learn more about anxiety in this article:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-what-it-is-what-to-do-2018060113955

Take a moment today to check in with yourself about your mental health. Find ways to fill your cup and take care of yourself. You can do this by setting goals, going for a walk, doing something creative, or spending time with friends. Check out this article to discover other new ways you can take care of yourself in 2024! https://islandoriginsmag.com/a-guide-to-self-care-in-2024/

For the millions contending with generalized anxiety disorder, the daily battle with emotional dysregulation can be overwhelming, with current treatments often falling short. However, pioneering research is now introducing an innovative approach. Dr. Zuberer has secured $103,931 to investigate modulating emotion regulation using non-invasive brain stimulation in generalized anxiety disorder patients. By integrating therapeutic brain stimulation with evidence-based interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy, this novel approach could forge new paths to restore emotional balance and empower those with anxiety to regain control. Learn more about this groundbreaking study: https://walkforhope.com/novel-paradigm-for-modulating-emotion-regulation-with-non-invasive-brain-stimulation-in-generalized-anxiety-disorder-zuberer-103931/

Decades of psychological stress endured by minority populations may silently increase dementia risk later in life, yet the biological pathways behind this link are poorly understood. Now, groundbreaking research is delving into these mechanisms at the molecular level. Dr. Zannas has been granted $147,167 to explore how chronic psychological stress affects epigenetic regulation and influences dementia pathology in minoritized individuals. This study could offer vital insights into how epigenetic changes caused by stress and societal challenges increase vulnerability to dementia, aiding tailored prevention and intervention efforts in disproportionately affected underserved communities. Learn more: https://walkforhope.com/epigenetic-mechanisms-linking-psychological-stress-with-dementia-risk-in-minoritized-individuals-zannas-147167/

Don’t give up. A person with a mental health condition benefits enormously from having social support. For family and friends that are struggling, just the reminder that you’re there to help, you’re not giving up on them, and you aren't going anywhere, can make a world of difference. We all experience setbacks and can use support from those around us.

Many new and expectant mothers struggle with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as postpartum depression, yet access to specialized mental health care during this critical time is limited. Pioneering research led by Dr. Schiller aims to address this gap by leveraging technology. With a grant of $64,840, she's developing and testing a novel app-based approach to deliver evidence-based therapy to perinatal women facing depression, anxiety, and other maternal mental health challenges. This app-based program could greatly boost access to top-notch perinatal mental health care, empowering mothers during a crucial time in their lives. Read more: https://walkforhope.com/increasing-access-to-evidence-based-therapy-for-perinatal-women-a-novel-app-based-approach-schiller-64840/

We are so excited and GRATEFUL for the Hurricanes Foundation’s BIG support of our . The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation provides grants to children's nonprofits in our community with a health or education focus throughout North Carolina. And our CHAAMP research program is already making a big difference in the lives of kids and teens with anxiety and mood disorders – but it’s about to be able to grow even more! Thank you so much for your support - Let’s Go Canes! #

Happy Independence Day! In the midst of all the barbecues, firecrackers, swimming, and concerts, take a moment to pause and honor the men and women who fought and fight for the freedom that we’re celebrating. In the spirit of pride and unity, we’d like to thank you—for sparkling so brightly in support of the Foundation of Hope!

Eating disorders, with the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses, often remain undetected and untreated due to limited access to specialized care. However, pioneering research led by Dr. Pisetsky addresses this crisis. With a grant of $99,001, she's developing FAST-ED, a brief, evidence-based intervention for identifying and initiating treatment for children’s eating disorders in primary care settings. By empowering primary care providers to screen and intervene, this innovative program – in both English and Spanish! - has the potential to significantly enhance early detection and access to life-saving treatment for the estimated 30 million Americans affected by eating disorders. Find out more: https://walkforhope.com/addressing-an-urgent-need-developing-and-disseminating-a-brief-eating-disorders-intervention-for-primary-care-fast-ed-pisetsky-99001/

Nearly 700,000 US women are sexually assaulted each year. Half of these women continue to experience severe post traumatic stress (PTSD) six months after assault. Currently, no interventions exist to prevent PTSD among survivors at high risk. With $89,708 in funding, Dr. Samuel McLean is expanding the use of written exposure therapy, a brief 5-session teletherapy intervention, to reduce or prevent severe PTSD symptoms after assault. By delivering this evidence-based treatment via telehealth sessions, led by licensed therapists, Dr. McLean's approach could offer crucial, low-cost, and accessible trauma recovery support nationwide, empowering countless survivors to heal from the psychological wounds of PTSD after assault. Explore more about this pioneering trauma research: https://walkforhope.com/written-exposure-therapy-to-improve-recovery-among-sexual-assault-survivors-expansion-mclean-89708/

Before dementia patients experience cognitive decline, they often endure distressing psychiatric symptoms like agitation, aggression, and impulsivity. However, the neural mechanisms behind these effects are not well understood. Dr. Zoe McElligott's pioneering research project, funded with $110,000, utilizes a specialized model of dementia to investigate how crucial brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are impacted before cognitive decline. By uncovering these changes, her work could lead to early detection of biomarkers and interventions to alleviate psychiatric disturbances, enhancing patients' quality of life and providing insight into how these circuits may change during the course of regular aging, something that is not well understood or appreciated. Learn more about this groundbreaking study: https://walkforhope.com/investigating-psychiatric-symptoms-of-dementia-mcelligott-110000/

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to highlight this since men are less likely to seek out and ask for help for depression, substance use, or stress because they may face stigma, feel like they should downplay their symptoms or just be able to “brush it off”. Even though it might feel hard, ask for help. You can call or text 988 for yourself or a loved one and they can provide supportive resources. Be sure to check in with yourself and those you care about.

Hope is our north star, and has been since Thad Eure, Jr. and Alice Eure started the Foundation of Hope in honor of their son.

We use hope as the guiding light that fuels our life’s work to eliminate the devastating harm and suffering caused by mental illness. The Eures knew that without hope, we would remain stuck in the shadows of darkness and despair. They believed that innovative research would uncover effective and long-lasting treatments for mental illnesses that will bring hope and light for generations to come.

Everyone deserves to live in that light of hope, and today, we honor the vision, grit, and paternal devotion of the founding father of the FOH. We won’t rest until we change the conversations around mental illness and the outcomes around the world – leaving a legacy as big as his dream.

Learn more about our history of hope here: https://walkforhope.com/who-we-are/

Calling all team captains!! Did you know that teams raise 70% of our walker income each year? Teams must consist of a minimum of 5 people, so gather 4 or more friends or family members to join you on a team, and get brainstorming! Team captains will have the opportunity to attend our annual Team Captain Kickoff event in August if your team is able to raise $500 or more over the minimum registration fee total for each team member. Teams can also earn a custom flag with their team name and a patch for each subsequent year your team raises $5,000. As always, 100% of the funds raised by participants and teams goes directly to fund mental illness research. Learn more about becoming a team captain at
https://walkforhope.com/events/walk-for-hope/

Following psychiatric hospitalization, adolescents face a critical period where the risk of su***de skyrockets, sometimes up to 100 times higher than the general population. However, pioneering research is now underway to uncover modifiable factors that could reduce this alarming risk and prevent tragedies. With a $78,000 grant, Dr. Hodgins is leading the effort to identify how hospitalization and discharge influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth post-hospitalization. This study aims to reshape mental health support for young individuals after hospital stays, potentially saving lives. Learn more about this vital research: https://walkforhope.com/identifying-modifiable-risk-factors-associated-with-suicidality-in-adolescents-following-acute-psychiatric-hospitalization-hodgins-78000/

Father’s Day is just around the corner! 🎉 This year, give a gift that lasts a lifetime and makes a difference. Honor your dad by buying a brick with his name on it, and The Foundation of Hope will place the brick in the Walkway of Hope at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn. Your gift will not only honor your father but also support vital mental health research. Click here to buy a brick: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/TheFoundationofHopeForResearc/Brick.html. Celebrate your dad with a meaningful gift this Father's Day! 💙

Life can become overwhelming especially when we focus on all of the things we can’t control. If you’re spiraling, use some mindfulness and grounding techniques to focus on the present. Close your eyes, put your hands at your side, and take 3-5 deep breaths. Imagine a camera zooming out and moving away from the upsetting thoughts, and take a moment to reflect, then challenge the negativity by focusing on one thing that you can change. Small steps can make big results!

After puberty, women present twice the prevalence of major depressive disorder than men. The mechanisms by which reproductive hormones shape vulnerability to chronic stress-induced depression during puberty in women remain unexplored. Dr. Antonio Florido was awarded $44,577 to provide data on the role of puberty in shaping vulnerability to anhedonia in female mice. Further, he will test whether estrogen signaling in fronto-striatal circuits is associated with resilience. Early-life stress has been shown to be an important risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD). This proposal aims to develop a pre-clinical model of chronic stress during puberty onset early in life that leads to the development of anhedonic-like behaviors in adulthood. To read more: https://walkforhope.com/developing-a-pre-clinical-model-to-study-the-interaction-of-female-pubertal-hormones-and-early-life-stress-in-vulnerability-to-anhedonia-florido-44577/

In the new Inside Out 2 movie, Anxiety becomes a very prevalent emotion, showing up when Riley becomes a teenager. We know adolescence is a tough time for many - and sadly, it’s common for teens to struggle mentally and emotionally. That’s why our program is so important, and why normalizing talking about anxiety and depression with our kids helps lessen the fear and shame and helps them be more comfortable with themselves inside and out. We are excited to see this movie showing in theaters June 14th and ! In the meantime, learn how anxiety affects teens and ways to spot symptoms of anxiety in teenagers in the following link: https://childmind.org/article/signs-of-anxiety-in-teenagers/

A few days ago we met with Dawn Berry who generously presented us with a big check for $15,000 for CHAAMP. Dawn, Doug, and Luca Berry raised the money through a festive Kentucky Derby themed fundraiser held at their home in May. The Berry family started a giving fund, “Grow with Sienna “ in memory of their daughter, Sienna Berry, and the Foundation Of Hope is so honored that the Berry family chose to support us with this gracious gift!!

Anhedonia, the inability to experience or anticipate pleasure, is a core depression symptom that often emerges in adolescence and precedes and predicts depression onset and severity. Research shows that interpersonal stress increases risk for anhedonia, yet, not all exposed youth are anhedonic. Drs. Cope Feurer, Ayse Belger, and Danielle Roubinov were awarded $74,802 to provide preliminary data that integrates neural (EEG) and physiological assessments to create profiles of stress responsivity. By examining whether these profiles can be used to predict risk levels of adolescent anhedonia, these investigators can help identify coping mechanisms for affected teens. This is one of our two new grants this year! To read more: https://walkforhope.com/identifying-novel-biological-profiles-of-early-risk-and-intervention-for-mood-disorders-in-adolescents-mapping-stress-responsive-changes-in-electrocortical-indices-in-adolescent-anhedonia-feurer-b/

Today we remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and send love, support, and hope to the family members of those we have lost.